Clinical Scientist, Virology | University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

UHCW NHS Trust; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS trust in Coventry seeks a Clinical Scientist in Virology to support laboratory operations and enhance patient care. The role involves clinical supervision, collaboration with clinicians, and participation in teaching and research activities. Ideal candidates should have an MSc in Microbiology and be registered with HCPC. This role offers professional growth within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Contributions to diverse workplace

Qualifications

• Successful completion of Grade A or STP training.
• Experience in diagnostic virology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical, technical, and supervisory support in a diagnostic laboratory.
• Collaborate with clinical colleagues for patient care.
• Involve in teaching and clinical audits.

Skills

Clinical liaison

Interpretation of laboratory results

Quality assurance

Education

MSc in Microbiology or related subject

Current registration with HCPC as a clinical scientist

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a Clinical Scientist in Virology to work with the existing clinical and laboratory teams in the delivery of the clinical (including infection control) and laboratory service (including service development and training). There will be a requirement to join a weekend on-call service. This is currently delivered remotely from home, although there may be the rare occasion that on-site attendance may be required.

Minimum requirements

The minimum entry requirements to this post are: successful completion of Grade A or STP training, MSc in Microbiology or related subject, and current registration with HCPC as a clinical scientist.

Organisation

Coventry and Warwickshire Pathology Services (CWPS) is a Pathology Network, set up in 2008, combining the Pathology Services of three Trusts: George Eliot NHS Trust (GEH) at Nuneaton, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW) in Coventry, and South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) in Warwick. The viral serology services are located at the GEH laboratory while the molecular diagnostics laboratory services are centralised at the UHCW site in Coventry. The clinical team is based at UHCW, but travel to other sites will be required.

Role and duties

Successful applicants will provide clinical, technical, and supervisory support within a diagnostic virology laboratory, under the guidance of senior consultants. The candidate will play a key role in clinical liaison, laboratory operations, and infection control, ensuring the accurate interpretation and timely reporting of laboratory results. The role includes collaborating with clinical colleagues to manage patient care and contribute to the teaching of medical students, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. It also involves involvement in research, clinical audits, and departmental quality improvement activities, with opportunities to participate in leadership and policy development.

In a technical capacity, the role requires applying specialized knowledge in diagnostic virology to troubleshoot assays, ensure adherence to good laboratory practices, and maintain high standards of quality assurance. The candidate will prioritise workload to meet national and local performance targets and actively contribute to the development of new techniques, equipment, and working practices. Participation in pan-pathology projects, preparing reports, and updating standard operating procedures are also key aspects. The role includes participation in the weekend rota and involvement in clinical incident reporting.

Responsibilities (illustrative)

• Participate in the work of the department in clinical liaison, laboratory and infection control, under supervision of the consultants. This includes authorisation of laboratory reports, dealing with telephone enquiries from clinicians, attending MDTs and participating in ward rounds.
• Interpret laboratory results and take appropriate action (e.g., authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up procedures, adding technical and clinically relevant comments, referring results for expert opinion, informing the requester of clinically significant results).
• Liaise closely with clinical colleagues concerning the diagnosis and management of patients.
• Contribute to the teaching of staff across the trust, including medical students, nurses, and allied health-care professionals.
• Participate in research and development.
• Actively participate in journal clubs, research meetings, and relevant scientific meetings.
• Be involved in clinical audits.
• Attend senior staff and management meetings and contribute (initially under supervision) to planning departmental policies and leadership development.
• Contribute to the production of business cases for the department.
• Use DATIX for reporting clinical incidents.
• Weekend working: participate fully in the weekend rota.

Additional information

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust is rated as good by the Care Quality Commission and is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK. The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion, and to creating an environment where equality and human rights principles are promoted as part of its core values. We offer opportunities for professional growth, with exposure to a variety of clinical, scientific, and leadership activities in a dynamic laboratory setting.

This is an excellent opportunity for professional growth, offering access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Application details

This advert closes on Tuesday 7 Oct 2025.